Staff at Wentworth

M.ED. ADMIN., B.ED., DIP.TCHG.

btong@wentworth.school.nz
Bruce’s previous appointment was Deputy Principal at Westlake Boys’ High School. He has a wealth of educational experience within both the primary and secondary service including responsibilities for strategic planning, school-wide curriculum development and management of college pastoral care and guidance. Bruce is a keen sportsman and has managed and coached rowing and hockey to a senior level.

M.A.(HONS), DIP.SCH.MGMT., DIP.TCHG.

plee@wentworth.school.nz
Philip joined Wentworth at the end of 2011. Previously he had been a foundation staff member and Assistant Principal at ACG Senior College, and before that taught English and Drama and worked with pastoral care teams in a number of secondary schools in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. In 2006 Philip was awarded an “Excellence in Teaching Award” and has a particular interest in developing excellence in teaching and learning. For leisure, Philip likes to read, garden, walk his dog or attend music and drama performances.

B.ED., DIP.TCHG

sbanyard@wentworth.school.nz
Sarah has been teaching Mathematics for many years.  She joined Wentworth as Head of Mathematics in January 2008, having taught for 19 Years at a private boarding school in England (Millfield) and also at Westlake Boys High School. Sarah is passionate about her subject and the need for all students to have a good grounding in Mathematics. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening and reading.

B.Ed., G.DIP.TCHG. (PRIMARY)

kdorset@wentworth.school.nz
Kurt joined Wentworth this year following 11 Years at Saint Kentigern Boys’ School. He has held many management roles over his time and brings with him a great deal of experience in the areas of curriculum and enhancing teaching practise. Kurt enjoys playing and following a wide variety of sports and spending time with his wife and two young sons.

BA (AUCKLAND), GDIP TCHG (PRIMARY)

smcleish@wentworth.school.nz
Shelli completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in both Education and Psychology before returning to university to train as a teacher. Shelli enjoys working in the junior school assisting our newest students to build the foundations they need to become life-long learners. Prior to teaching Shelli spent time in the corporate world working with iconic New Zealand and international brands. Shelli loves spending time with her family and enjoys travelling.

B.Ed.

hmckeown@wentworth.school.nz
Hayley joined Wentworth Primary School in 2023 but spent her first 5 years teaching at Richmond Road School where she held many management units and fell in love with the profession. In 2016 she took a short career break to start her family. During this time, she continued teaching part time and growing a business she started. When Hayley is not in the classroom, she participates in a number of different sports and sporting events and enjoys hanging out at the beach, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

B.Ed

jkipa@wentworth.school.nz
Jasmine grew up in Southeast Asia (Thailand 10 years and South Korea 6 years) before moving back to New Zealand for University. Jasmine graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) from Auckland University of Technology (2022). Jasmine is very proud to be both Māori and Pakeha while having a strong connection to Thailand and the culture she grew up in. She understands what it is like to learn another language, live and study in Asia, and make friends cross-culturally. Jasmine has played competitive tennis since she was young, and still enjoys playing interclub or social tennis with friends.

BA (HONS)

sprakash@wentworth.school.nz
Suzanne completed a Bachelor of Physical Education at The University of Auckland in 2017. After completing her studies Suzanne taught in various schools across the UK. Upon returning to New Zealand she decided to further her career and teach in the primary sector in East Auckland. She hopes to inspire her students to become independent, resilient and kind individuals who know that they are seen, valued and heard. Suzanne now lives on the Hibiscus Coast and her hobbies include going to the beach, arts and crafts and spending time with her family.

BEd, DpCW

jmcgrath@wentworth.school.nz
Jeanette completed a Bachelor of Education at Auckland University in 2004 and went on to gain a Diploma in Creative Writing. Before joining Wentworth Primary School, she held many leadership positions from ISL Pedagogy to team and curriculum leader. Nurturing and connecting to learners to reach their full potential academically and socially fill her heart. Jeanette has returned to live on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to spend more time with her family and reconnect with her love of the beach. Her interests include tennis, walking, and art.

B.ED.

ahewertson@wentworth.school.nz
Anna completed a Bachelor of Education degree majoring in Primary at Auckland University. Prior to training as a teacher Anna was awarded a Bachelor of Design at Unitec majoring in Interior Design. Anna has a penchant for teaching Art and creates possibilities to apply learning in creative ways in other curriculum areas. She loves nurturing the students in her class in order for them to reach their full potential. Anna enjoys gardening, cooking, reading and spending quality time with her partner and young adult children.

BA PGCE

aabrahams@wentworth.school.nz
Andrea joined Wentworth full time in 2023 but was already familiar with the school as a reliever teacher.  Andrea completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Linguistics and then went on to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She has been teaching in Primary schools for 8 years and moved from South Africa in 2017 with her husband and 3 young boys. Andrea loves helping students excel and believes nothing is unachievable for any student. She also loves spending time with her family and exploring New Zealand.

B.A., Dip.Tchg

sclark@wentworth.school.nz
Shona completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in History and English at Massey University before training as a teacher through Victoria University. She loves hearing the funny stories her class tell her and enjoys seeing her students learn and grow throughout the year. Shona enjoys walking her dog, swimming, reading, and spending time with her husband and their two school-aged daughters.

L.L.B. (HONS), PGCE, EYPS, Dip. TEFL

csancto@wentworth.school.nz
Christine qualified as a solicitor and worked as a legal researcher and law librarian in a leading UK law firm before retraining as a primary teacher. With thirty years of teaching experience, Christine has held many curriculum leadership roles, including Computing and ICT; modern foreign languages; Citizenship and PE. After a career break to raise her family, Christine retrained as an Early Years Professional, setting up quality learning environments for under-fives. She is an experienced IGCSE tutor, specialising in English Language and, most recently, has broadened her expertise into teaching Business English. Outside work, Christine enjoys travelling – having backpacked around the world twice – theatre and sport.

B.ED.

tking@wentworth.school.nz
Teresa is an experienced teacher having taught at Matakana and Stanmore Bay Schools. Teresa’s expertise in numeracy lead her to be appointed as a numeracy advisor for the Auckland University’s “Team Solutions” team, advising teachers throughout Rodney. Teresa’s strengths also include Art, Information Technology and accelerated learning strategies.

amandeville@wentworth.school.nz
Angela is the first point of contact for parents at the Reception of Wentworth Primary School.   As well as acting as Admissions Registrar for prospective parents, Angela is also responsible for all administration duties at the Primary School and provides administration support to the Head of Primary.  Angela has a Bachelor of Business and a background in human resource management and support administration within private and public sectors. Angela enjoys keeping busy with her children and supporting and participating within the local community.

B.SOC.SCI, DIP.TCHG

saddis@wentworth.school.nz
Sharon gained her Bachelor of Social Science at Waikato University in Geography and her Diploma in Teaching at Auckland College of Education. She has taught Social Studies, Geography, Maths, English and P.E. in a variety of settings including New Zealand, India, Northern Ireland and the USA. After working as a Head of Department in 3 different colleges, Sharon took a break from the classroom and joined the staff of World Vision New Zealand as an Education Officer, developing curriculum resources and supporting teachers and students taking social action on global issues. In January 2017 Sharon returned with her husband and two children from 12 years living in the USA. She is enjoying the experience of rediscovering all things ‘Kiwi’.

B.A (Hons), DIP.TCHG

rbotha@wentworth.school.nz
Rina has a Bachelor of Arts, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from the Northwest University in South Africa. She is an experienced teacher who has taught extensively in private education, and has held roles including Head of Mathematics Department, and as a Dean. Rina is a caring teacher who wants all children to be successful learners and works to create a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating, encouraging, and adaptive to the varied needs of students. Rina moved to New Zealand in 2012 with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys the outdoors and camping, and stays active by cycling and tramping.

B.SC.(HONS), DIP.TCHG

abrown@wentworth.school.nz
Andrew completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Victoria University of Wellington, and was awarded 1st Class Honours. He studied Physics and Chemistry in addition to his major in Mathematics. After graduating, he spent 11 years teaching Physics and Science at Westlake Boys High School, and for several years served as the Head of Department for Physics and later Senior Science. Andrew arrived at Wentworth in 2016, and has enjoyed contributing to both Science and Mathematics departments. Outside of the classroom, his interests include sport, music, and spending time with his wife and young family.

B.SC, DIP.TCHG

nbrown@wentworth.school.nz
Nicola completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Waikato in 1997, where she studied plant and animal physiology. She worked in a medical laboratory in Hamilton before travelling overseas. She completed a Diploma in Teaching at Waikato before teaching Science at Westlake Girls High School. Nicola has lived on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula for the past seventeen years with her family. She and her family are keen sailors and spend their spare time sailing on the Hauraki Gulf and further afield.

DIP.GRAPHIC DES., DIP.TCHG

ncarrigan@wentworth.school.nz
Nicola has an extensive background in commercial design and photography. After 11 years in the UK Nicola and her family moved back to Auckland where she trained as a secondary school Art teacher. She joined Wentworth College after 9 years at Glenfield College as the senior Design and Photography teacher. In her spare time Nicola is very fond of the performing arts, especially dance and musical theatre, and contributes behind the scenes whenever possible.

B.SC. PgDip, GDip  

jcope@wentworth.school.nz
Jonathan joined Wentworth College in 2022 teaching Biology and Science.  Jonathan completed a Bachelors of Science at the University of Auckland, specialising in Biology and Environmental Science. Following this, he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation Biology at Massey University and studied wild primates in China over a period of 6 months. Jonathan then went to work in conservation with the Auckland Council before completing a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching at AUT in 2017. He is still passionate about conservation and biology and is currently training a Conservation Dog for the Auckland Council.

M.A.(HONS), DIP.TCHG.

adavies@wentworth.school.nz
After gaining her Masters degree in English Literature, Alice trained as a secondary teacher and taught for a number of years at Kristin School. Alice came to Wentworth from Baradene College where she was Head of English and a member of the Senior Management Team. Her interests include tramping, fishing and reading.

B.A., GDIP TCHG (SECONDARY)

sdebenham@wentworth.school.nz
Sarah completed a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in History and English at Massey University before going on to study a Postgraduate Diploma of Teaching at the University of Auckland. She was a qualified youth worker before entering the teaching profession. Sarah lives in Stanmore Bay with her husband. She enjoys playing and watching sport, reading and travelling.

B.A (Hons), DIP.TCHG, PGCE (secondary), NCTJ DIP. Print Journalism

heasson@wentworth.school.nz
Helen joined Wentworth College in 2024 after eight years teaching English Language and English Literature to students in years 7 – 13 at Pinehurst School. Helen also taught in Manchester, England, having qualified via the UK’s School Direct programme. She moved to New Zealand in 2014 with her husband. Prior to teaching, Helen was a newspaper journalist and then a public relations specialist. Helen is a published author (UK and US) and has a passion for helping her students learn to love both reading and creative writing. In her spare time, Helen enjoys reading books on the beach.

B.Ed

mfarrow@wentworth.school.nz
Matt joined Wentworth College in 2020, and teaches Year 7 and Year 8 Mathematics and Science.  Matt gained his Bachelor of Education at the University of Johannesburg, and has been teaching for more than 12 years, mostly in private school education in Johannesburg, South Africa, but also here in New Zealand.  Matt’s passion is in the classroom but he equally loves being on the sports field, especially playing and coaching cricket and soccer.  Matt lives with his wife and two children and enjoys running, paddle boarding and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

M.A. (HONS), DIP.TCHG, CLTA

mfurtado@wentworth.school.nz
Margaret is a Spanish teacher who also teaches English. After working overseas, she began her professional career tutoring at the University of Auckland. She later taught in Argentina as well as at Westlake Girls High School for many years where she managed intercultural trips to Spain. Margaret enjoys helping her students to gain confidence and develop a passion for learning while improving their literacy and language skills. She lives on the Hibiscus Coast and her hobbies include music, history, film and travel.

B.A. (HONS), DIP.TCHG

dgale@wentworth.school.nz
David joined Wentworth College for the start of the 2022 academic year. Previously he had been a Curriculum Leader at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in the UK, a senior Economics, Business and Accounting teacher at ACG Parnell and Auckland Grammar School. David studied both in the UK and at the University of Auckland and holds an Honors degree in Commerce and a Postgraduate Diploma in teaching. For leisure, David likes to play sports, write and perform music and spend time with his wife and young son.

B.A. (HONS), PGCE, PGDIP COMMERCE

lgoss@wentworth.school.nz
After graduating with a degree in English and American Literature, Linda worked in commerce for 4 years before retraining to become a secondary teacher. Following four years teaching in the UK, she moved to New Zealand and joins Wentworth from Pinehurst School in Albany where she taught for nine years. She lives in Stanmore Bay with her husband and two children. Her interests include spending time with her family at the beach, yoga, walking and reading.

BFA, DIP.TCHG

tgroves@wentworth.school.nz
Teneille completed a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. After gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching she taught both Design and Visual Communications and Visual Art at Westlake Boys High School for several years, before moving to Orewa College as acting Head of Hard Materials. Teneille lives locally and enjoys spending time with her family and taking walks with the dog along the many beautiful scenic trails our community has to offer.

B.PHED., DIP.TCHG.

jhicks@wentworth.school.nz
After completing his Bachelor of Physical Education at Auckland University in 2013, Joel worked at Lynfield College for 4 years before joining Wentworth College. Moving to the Hibiscus Coast in 2017 with his fiance, Joel loves the lifestyle it provides. Joel enjoys providing opportunities for students to develop their physical and social skills through Physical Education. His interests include football, touch rugby and snowboarding.

L.L.B., GRAD. DIP. TCHG

chills@wentworth.school.nz
Cheney immigrated to New Zealand with her husband and son in 2016. Passionate about the arts, she attended an art school with a major in Drama before qualifying as a lawyer in South Africa. She worked mostly in conveyancing before pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning at Massey University in 2023. In her leisure time, she enjoys the company of her family and friends, running and taking a stroll with her dog.

M.Prof Prac., B.Min., GDip Tchg

tjee@wentworth.school.nz
Tony joins Wentworth College after teaching Years 7 and 8 in West Auckland. Before his teaching career, he worked as a family and children’s worker and a school chaplain. Hailing from the UK, Tony immigrated to New Zealand in 2005. He is married with two teenage sons. His wife is a primary school teacher. His passions are music, food and sports.

B.A./L.L.B., GRAD.DIP.TCHG.

mjordan@wentworth.school.nz
After graduating in South Africa, Michelle practised as a lawyer for ten years. She moved to New Zealand in 2007 and retrained as a teacher. Michelle has a keen interest in finding alternative ways to encourage reading in the digital age. She enjoys reading, playing golf and spending time with her husband and two children.

B.SC., PGCE

nkennard@wentworth.school.nz
Nigel has spent his 34 year professional career teaching a wide variety of academic and sport subjects. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Nigel relocated to South Africa where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a Post Graduate Education Diploma in Teaching. Since immigrating to New Zealand 14 years ago, he has taught both CIE and NCEA pathways to senior level in Physics and Science at Westlake Boy’s High School, before joining Wentworth in 2021. As a family man and outdoors enthusiast, Nigel makes every effort to explore the awesome places New Zealand has to showcase. He is also an internationally certified Tennis Coach.

B.A, DIP.TCHG 

bkong@wentworth.school.nz
Mrs Kong teaches advanced Mandarin for Speakers of Mandarin in the College, and supports our International Students and their families, providing translation and first language support to our Chinese students.  Bing has been teaching since 1995 when she graduated from Beijing’s teacher training university with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Chinese Language and Literature Education. From there, she taught Chinese Literacy in a Beijing High School. After coming to New Zealand she has taught Mandarin in the community and at another local school. In her spare time she enjoys activities with her family, listening to music and reading.

B.A.(Hons), PGCE, Dip. Art and Design

lpetkute@wentworth.school.nz
Laura completed a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Design and Practice at Central Saint Martins in London UK, before continuing with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at University of the West of England. Laura is originally from Lithuania and has teaching experience across the UK, Spain, and also Sierra Leone, where she has established a charitable project helping underprivileged young people access education. Laura is now happy to put down her roots in New Zealand and in her spare time enjoys visiting Art galleries, surfing, going to concerts and travelling.

B.MUS., .DIP.TCHG, LTCL (PERFORMANCE – WITH DISTINCTION)

spoppe@wentworth.school.nz
A seasoned Musical Theatre performer, Sarah has over 20 years of teaching experience where she has been avidly involved in Music Groups, Stage Challenge and Musicals. After working in Private schools for 12 years prior to joining Wentworth, Sarah loves the small classes, enthusiasm, high expectations and discipline found in this environment. A trained violinist and ballerina, Sarah brings enthusiasm to her teaching and loves to create original works with students of all ages. Sarah has also taught singing and songwriting, encouraging students to set goals and to love performing.

B.PHED., DIP.TCHG., M.ED, PHD

rrangi@wentworth.school.nz
Dr Richard Rangi has worked for the past 8 years as the Director of Sport and Head of the Physical Education faculty in The British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this overseas posting, he was Head of Physical Education and Health at Christchurch Girls High School. Over his career, Dr Rangi has also worked in international schools in Lebanon, Thailand and the United Kingdom. Currently living with his family in Gulf Harbour, he is enjoying the great beaches and lifestyle that the Whangaparaoa coast has to offer.

B.ENGSC, GDIP TCHG

jsampson@wentworth.school.nz
Jennifer joined Wentworth College in 2023 teaching Junior Science, Global Perspectives and Computer Science. She completed a Bachelors of Engineering Science degree, specialising in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching & Learning. Jennifer has experience in Waste Minimization and Sustainability having previously worked at Auckland Council.  Jennifer is passionate about Mathematics, Science and sustainability. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, reading, and CrossFit.

PGDIP FINANCE, B.ACC, DIP.TCHG

jtang@wentworth.school.nz
Jasmine joined Wentworth in 2022 following 9 years at Westlake Boys’ High school. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance with Distinction and Bachelor of Accountancy at Massey University, and was awarded the Dean’s List.  Jasmine enjoys providing real world examples to develop students’ critical thinking skills. Outside of the classroom, her interests include sport, travel, photography, gardening, and cooking.

B.SC., DIP.TCHG.

ntimperley@wentworth.school.nz
Ngaire completed her Bachelor of Science in microbiology and immunology at Otago University, before continuing with a post-graduate Diploma in Teaching at the University of Auckland. Over the last few years, in addition to teaching part-time at Orewa College, Ngaire has been involved in a number of education-related research projects with the University of Auckland. Her main hobby is Aikido, which she teaches at a club in Manly.

M.A., DIP.TCHG (SECONDARY)

ywang@wentworth.school.nz
Ying joined Wentworth College at the start of the 2024 academic year. She got her Master’s Degree in China. Before she moved to New Zealand, she had been a teacher in China for years. Ying has been teaching maths in New Zealand for more than 7 years now. Previously she had been a Maths and Stats teacher at Rangitoto College. She lives in Stanmore Bay with her family. She enjoys travelling. cooking and gardening in her spare time.

kwaterworth@wentworth.school.nz
Kate is the first point of contact for Wentworth College students, parents and suppliers.  Kate can assist parents with many issues around the day to day operations of the College, including attendance, and buses.  If you’re not sure who to contact within Wentworth, start with Kate; she will help you identify the right person. Kate has a background in HR and office management.

rvaudrey@wentworth.school.nz
Rachel is currently looking after the enrolment and admissions of all students to Wentworth College.  Rachel also looks after the international student programme for both the Primary School and College, and encourages students from all over the world to come and study in this beautiful part of New Zealand.  Rachel moved to New Zealand from London having enjoyed a 20 year career in Marketing in the UK and now lives on the peninsula with her husband and their three children.

ewang@wentworth.school.nz
Ellen joined Wentworth in 2022. She is our Accounts Administrator and responsible for all accounts payable and receivable. She also provides support for school administration duties. Ellen completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Finance at Otago University. She also has an extensive background in marketing. Ellen lives in Silverdale. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

nwesterdaal@wentworth.school.nz
Nicole has been working with International Students for over 10 years, and joined our International Department as a Homestay Co-ordinator in 2024, providing pastoral care for our international students.  Nicole makes sure she matches International Students with the right family so that they settle in well both at school, and in New Zealand. If you are the parent of an international student, an agent, or a local family interested in providing a caring home for one of our international students, please contact Nicole.

jgraver@wentworth.school.nz
With an extensive history at Wentworth, Jahna has taken on many roles over the years.  Jahna is currently the Property and Support Staff Manager. In addition, Jahna oversees the Uniform Shop Sales, the Library,  as well as assisting international students when needed.  With grown children of her own, she loves conversing with students and offering them full support in both their school and home life.

ktanaka@wentworth.school.nz

Katie splits her time between our school in Gulf Harbour, and our new Newmarket school. Katie takes care of the day-to-day operations of the Computer Science Campus, including the marketing, admissions and enrolment of new students, and providing administrative support to the teaching staff.  She also supports management with specific project work.  Katie has worked in operations in the International Education sector for more than 15 years and enjoys interacting with students from all around the world.